Tied On – The Cowboy’s DevotionalSample

LIFE’S A TWITCH

When it comes to using a twitch on a horse, folks that don’t understand it would probably think that it is a cruel tool that hurts the animal. They would be mistaken. When a twitch is used properly, it triggers the release of endorphins from the horse’s brain, producing a calming effect. Sure, the horse may fight it for a few short seconds, but just like sedation, the less he fights the quicker it works. One reason for using a twitch would be a horse that has suffered a cut on its leg, and it won’t let the owner dress the wound. This would be a case for when the owner or veterinarian would use the twitch to get the horse to calm down and stand still long enough to get him cleaned up and doctored. Twitching is not only safer for the horse, but it’s safer for the handler as well.

In the same way that a person uses a twitch to calm a horse, God uses the twitches of life to quiet us. Illness, loss, failure, trials, temptation, tribulation, and even our enemies, are all examples of twitches that God might use to get us quiet and willing. Like it or not, these twitches are inevitable. However, though uncomfortable for a little while, the twitches of life release our faith and trust in God, helping us learn to handle life with a peace and calmness that can only come from Him. We would be smart to learn from the horse that quickly calms down and stands still and realize that the quicker we get quiet before God, the quicker we can experience his powerful provision and care. More often than not, God doesn’t take the twitch off until it produces the quiet trust He wants it to—no matter how long it takes. In many cases the longer we resist, the longer the twitch will remain.

CHEW ON THIS
What types of twitches does God have on you? Have you learned to be quiet, or are you still thrashing around? Memorize Psalm 46:10, which says, “Be still, and know that I am God…”
 
PRAYER
God, thank you for the twitches of life. Thank you for the lessons you teach me through them and for rescuing me from them. Even though they are uncomfortable, I know you use them to strengthen my faith and trust in you. Please help me to not fight them, but to be quiet and still before you. It’s in your holy name I pray, Amen.